Sunday, July 17, 2011

Looks vs. Life

What's more important to you, how you look or how you live?

It seems like a constant struggle, but my answer is definitely, "how you live".

I find it challenging to be gentle with myself 100% of the time. It is so easy to fall into a pattern of self examination that includes comparison of myself to others, or myself from another time. I find my compassion for others to be much greater than that I have for my own beautiful vessel, which has served me so well. I should hold nothing but gratitude for all the adventures it has permitted me to experience and all the sensations I have been able to feel. I am so lucky! I have been forced to look at my vessel from other people's viewpoints and defend it vehemently, for it is the witness to my struggle. It bears the marks of my journey, which I would never trade.

My gibbous moon. Is it waxing or waning? I'm not sure.
Does it matter?

I believe that our bodies have the ability to wax and wane, lighten and fade, show smooth spots and pockmarks, much like the moon. Any moment you take a good look at your body, it is just a phase; a day, out of a month, in a year, traveling through the galaxy, and never really in the same place twice. We should gratefully notice this physical partner to our journey in this lifetime.

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My sweet 16 year-old crescent. I thought I was fat because of the strength and mass of my thighs. This is the only picture I have of me in a bathing suit without a towel wrapped around my waist.

My full moon, shining brightly, in all her glory, with all the light of the sun on her body. Living!

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About Me

I became aware of my purpose in life when was about seven. I was (am) a pretty good listener and could see the essence of people when they opened up to reveal their inner truths, their deepest fears, their pain and joy. It seemed to me that I was good at seeing the gifts people had, filtering through the muck and holding up the mirror to the divine within all things. Not to say that you have to be perfect to do all this. Actually, I start with myself. I first have to see the divine in me, sort through the muck, look in the mirror, love myself, forgive myself, encourage myself and then enjoy the ride...Even take the ride with my hands in the air, screaming, with bugs in my teeth and an upset stomach afterwards. My work is all about this. I use things like gemstones and oils and candles and art to reach you. Want to know more? Go to my site or Facebook, and "like" Candle of the Moon.
~ Shelley